Arrieta could be optioned after today's game

It may not matter how good Jake Arrieta pitches in today's home opener. With scheduled off days on the 9th and 15th, the Orioles won't need Arrieta to pitch again until April 20th.

Arrieta could be optioned to Norfolk where he could pitch on his regular five days rest before being promoted on the 20th to face the Dodgers at home. Although the injury and probable disabled list trip for Brian Roberts may open up a slot, it makes the most sense for the Orioles to keep Jake and the rest of the staff on a five day rest schedule instead of keeping him in long relief.

If the Orioles do option Arrieta, the question will be who do they bring up if/when Roberts goes on the DL? With Ryan Flaherty and Alexi Casilla on the current roster, the team has plenty of second base options so it doesn't neccesarily have to be an infielder.

Really, the Orioles have a lot of options. They could bring up LHP Mike Belfiore to be an extra left-handed relief option to be used as a LOOGY, or Zach Clark to act as a long reliever. They could also purchase the contract of Conor Jackson who hit well this spring to act as a right-handed bat off the bench. They would need to make room on the 40-man roster so Russ Canzler or recently claimed RHP Josh Stinson would be in jeopardy. Another option would be utility infielder Yamaico Navarro.

Buck has a lot of options with what comes down to as an extra roster spot until April 20th.

Tony Pente

Tony has owned and operated Orioles Hangout since 1996 and is well known for his knowledge of the Baltimore Orioles organization from top to bottom. He's a frequent guest on Baltimore-area sports radio stations and can be heard regularly on the 105.7 FM The Fan. His knowledge and contacts within the Orioles minor league system and the major league baseball scouting industry is unparalleled in the Baltimore media and is known as an expert on the Orioles prospects.